Semen analysis is a test, that a male undergoes when the couple's fertility is in question.

The male partner will be questioned and examined to look for probable factors which could affect fertility before any investigations are ordered.

The couple will be thoroughly counselled about the procedure and will be given a handout regarding the same

The samples are accepted till noon because the testing will take 3 to 4 hours.

The results will be reviewed during the next appointment time.

If sperm analysis results are abnormal, a doctor will typically recommend further testing to help find the underlying cause and formulate a treatment plan.

Many cases of male infertility are treatable with lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, and other interventions.

Although sperm count, motility, and morphology are three of the main factors that medical professionals will check when assessing male fertility, they are not the only factors.

Other factors that doctors consider while doing a sperm analysis include:

1. The volume of the semen sample:

   This means the amount of semen a person provides in their sample. Typically, a sample is at least half a teaspoon. Less than this can suggest that there may be a blockage in the vessels through which sperm travels.

2. Liquefaction:

   Semen normally leaves the body in a thickened state. Liquefaction time assesses how long it takes for the semen to become liquid. Failure to liquefy, or liquefying slowly, may indicate a problem.

3. PH level:

   Having a pH that is too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic) may affect the health of the sperm and their ability to move through the female reproductive tract.

4. Seminal fructose levels:

   Semen samples that do not contain sperm may demonstrate low levels of fructose. This suggests a problem with the function of the seminal glands.

AKSHAYA FERTILITY CENTRE provides a separate room for the semen collection process to give privacy for the male partner.

DO'S AND DON'TS

1. Collect the container from the lab.
2. Pass urine.
3. The male has to wash the hands and genital part thoroughly.
4. Clean the area with a dry cloth.
5. Be relaxed.
6. Collect the semen in the given container.
7. Don't wash the container before or after the procedure.
8. Don't use any lubricant for the collection of semen.
9. Don't spill the semen during collection.
10. Once when the collection is over, close the container with the lid.
11. Hand over the container to the lab technician.

SOMETIMES THERE MAY BE SOME DIFFICULTIES for which there are some solutions.

1. Accommodate your female partner if you need help.
2. If not possible contact the lab. They will provide a stimulator at a nominal cost and show you the videos of the procedure for assistance.
3. If some male partners prefer home collection, can do it by signing in the consent form.
4. If it is the home collection, the sample should reach the lab within 30 minutes. Close the lid of the container carefully and maintain the temperature before submission.

Varicocele

A specialist is often consulted after an abnormal semen analysis is obtained. The most common abnormality discovered by the urologist is a "varicocele". A varicocele is a dilated vein around the testicle, which raises the core temperature of the testicle and can impair the process of making sperm. Corrective surgical procedure is considered only when the semen abnormalities are severe, in the hope that semen quality may improve . The correction of a varicocele involves a micro-surgical procedure. The procedure ligates the dilated veins, which improves blood flow around the testicle.

Sperm Retrieval

When a man has little to no sperm in his ejaculate, it may be possible to retrieve sperm from his testicles or epididymis. This is a procedure performed by a doctor. The sperm retrieved can either be frozen for future use or used immediately for an IVF cycle.